Heathrow Airport Closure: LHR suspended operations all day after a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby London substation. The incident has caused major airplane interruptions and affected thousands of passengers.
Airport Closure Details
A spokesperson for Heathrow announced the closure, stating that safety remains the priority. “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, we have no choice but to close Heathrow until 11:59 PM on March 21, 2025.”
Passengers have been urged not to travel to the airport under any circumstances. Travelers are encouraged to get in touch with their individual airlines for updates as they are working on rescheduling or rerouting flights.
Effect on Aircraft
- There are at least 1,351 canceled flights to and from Heathrow.
- More than 120 planes that were in the air at the time of the event were diverted.
- Many of the thousands of travelers who are still stuck in Europe are looking for other flights.
The Cause of the Power Outage
The disruption was triggered by a large fire at a substation in Hayes, West London. Emergency crews, including 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines, responded to the blaze. 150 locals had to leave their homes because of the thick smoke and flames that were evident.
Heathrow Airport Closure: Over 16,300 homes lost power, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). The cause of the fire is still being investigated, even as the London Fire Brigade (LFB) attempts to contain it.
Suggestions for Travelers
- Take these actions if you have a flight from Heathrow Airport scheduled:
- Speak with Your Airline: Verify the status of the flight and your choices for rebooking.
- Stay away from Getting to the airport: No entry will be allowed.
- Keep an eye on updates: Use the official airline channels and the airport’s website to stay updated.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are uncertain when full power will be restored. As the situation unfolds, further flight disruptions may continue over the weekend. Passengers are encouraged to remain flexible and plan for potential delays.
Source: BBC News
